Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has backed youngsters Jordon Ibe and Joe Gomez to continue impressing this season, following their impressive starts to our pre-season campaign.
Ibe, who returned to Anfield mid-way through last season after a successful loan spell with Derby County, is eagerly anticipating his first full campaign on Merseyside. He was one of our stand-out players during the final weeks of last season and is being heavily tipped for a successful year.
Gomez, who is a new addition to the club following his move from Charlton Athletic, has shone at both right-back and left-back already during our tour of the Far East. The teenager has emerged as a real contender for a place in the team and should at the very least be a decent back-up option for the likes of Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno.
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Rodgers, who has been quoted by the Daily Mirror, was particularly complimentary of Ibe who he feels still has plenty of room to continue his development.
“He’s still very young, still 19 years of age… but I think you see the potential,” he said. “It’s just him continually working hard at his game. He’s still got a way to go for that consistency but I think everyone sees that potential.
“All of our young players at the club know that if they demonstrate the right personality, they have a chance to play. Joe Gomez at 18 years of age has huge potential as well.
“It’s up to them. They know they’ll get a chance if they co-ordinate their game and work to the plan of the collective, then there’ll be a chance.
“Jordon is a very exciting talent and we’ll manage him individually, because it’s not the same for everyone. He’s his own player and we need to manage him and what’s best for him and the team.”
Rodgers also revealed that he sees Ibe playing in a wide role in the future, despite having used him more centrally during pre-season.
“I’ve played him in the No.10 [role]… I’ve had a little look at him in there and I think he could maybe play that role as well,” he added.
“But I think he is a natural winger that likes to be on the outside. He’s happy to be in the duel and likes to set up the one vs one. His best position will be on the wing, for sure.”